CONTACT: Pavi’Elle James Phillips

305-995-1334
district1@dadeschools.net
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF DR. STEVE GALLON III

February 13, 2025

At the School Board Meeting of February 12, 2025, School Board Member Dr. Steve Gallon III proffered Agenda Item B-9, recognizing the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project Class of 2025 Wilson Scholars.

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project was founded in 1993 by then Miami-Dade County School Board Member (and current member of the U.S. House of Representatives), Dr. Frederica S. Wilson, a steadfast supporter of improving public education. Formulated as a dropout prevention program, the mission of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project is to intervene in the lives of at-risk youth by providing them with alternatives to dropping out of school and/or engaging in self-destructive behaviors.

The program pairs male students, ages 9-19, with successful professional adult mentors, who provide them with advice, guidance, and educational assistance. The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project serves more than 8,000 students in 131 schools in Miami-Dade County, 962 students in 62 chapters in Pinellas County, 700 students in 37 chapters in Duval County Public Schools and 18 inaugural chapters in Los Angeles Unified School District.

This year, Wilson Scholars were comprised of students from Coral Gables, Coral Reef, G. Holmes Braddock, Miami Beach, Miami Carol City, Miami Coral Park, Miami Lakes Educational Center, Miami Norland, Miami Northwestern, Miami Senior, South Dade, and William H. Turner Technical Arts Senior High School. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $50 million in scholarships to graduating seniors.

“From Florida City to Countyline Road, these young men represent the epitome of what we seek to develop as future fathers, leaders, servants, and citizens,” said Dr. Gallon. “The investment of time, talent, and treasure by countless committed and caring mentors into the learning and lives of these students have paid tremendous dividends and will produce positive outcomes for years and decades to come.”